Miniature highland cattle stolen; two left behind die

FIDDLETOWN - If you've recently seen a very small, shaggy cow or two, then Rick Sanders wants to hear from you.

The Record

FIDDLETOWN - If you've recently seen a very small, shaggy cow or two, then Rick Sanders wants to hear from you.

He and his wife, Lin, are even offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of eight miniature highland cattle that were rustled in August from their ranch near Fiddletown.

"This is not your typical cow, because they stand out in a herd," Sanders said. The breed's bony body and long horns, combined with its small stature, means miniature highlands won't fetch much at auction.

Sanders said the rustlers erected a pen to corral the animals before loading them into a vehicle. Two other miniature highland cattle were left behind in the pen and died of dehydration before Sanders found them.

Standard highland cattle are a more widely known, though still uncommon, breed. Miniature highland cattle are related. The miniatures more closely resemble the small cattle raised in the Scottish Highlands and on the Western Islands of Scotland several centuries ago, Sanders said.

Sanders said he's distributing posters offering a reward at hardware and feed stores across the region as well as auction yards across the United States.

"I am hoping these guys try to move them. Because that is probably the only way I am going to get them," Sanders said.

To report information on the missing cattle, call Sanders at (209) 245-6973.